Introduction
Rabbits are gentle, curious, and full of charm — but their needs are often misunderstood.
Unlike cats or dogs, rabbits express happiness and health through subtle signals: a flick of the ears, a joyful hop, or even a quiet stretch in your presence.
This guide from Zopaw.pet will help you understand your rabbit’s emotions, body language, and needs so you can keep them happy, healthy, and full of life. Whether you’re a new bunny parent or an experienced one, these practical tips will make sure your fluffy friend thrives. 🐇💕
🐇 Section 1: Understanding Rabbit Behavior
Body Language 101:
Rabbits communicate with their whole body. Learning their cues is key to knowing if they’re happy or stressed.
- Binkying: The ultimate sign of joy — when your rabbit jumps and twists midair. That’s bunny happiness at its best!
- Flopping: When they drop on their side and stretch out — they’re relaxed and trust you completely.
- Tooth Purring: Gentle teeth grinding means contentment (like a cat’s purr).
- Thumping: A strong warning — fear, anger, or frustration. Something’s wrong.
- Nose Twitching: A constant sign of curiosity and alertness.
Social Nature:
Rabbits are highly social. They enjoy companionship — from other rabbits or gentle human interaction.
A lonely rabbit may become withdrawn or destructive, so daily contact and playtime are essential.
Routine = Security:
Rabbits love routine — consistent feeding and play times make them feel safe.
Keep their schedule regular; even small changes can cause stress.
✅ Pro Tip: The more you observe, the better you’ll understand your rabbit’s emotions — their silence speaks volumes.
🏠 Section 2: Safe & Comfortable Living Space
Your rabbit’s environment directly affects their health and happiness.
Spacious Habitat:
Forget tiny cages — rabbits need room to hop and stretch.
The minimum recommended space: at least 3 times their body length in every direction.
Flooring & Comfort:
Avoid wire-bottom cages; they hurt your rabbit’s feet. Use solid flooring covered with soft mats or fleece.
Litter Training:
Rabbits can be litter trained! Use paper-based litter in one corner of the pen — clean daily.
Hideouts & Burrows:
Provide tunnels, cardboard boxes, or small shelters. Rabbits need private spaces to feel safe.
Temperature:
Ideal range: 15–21°C (59–70°F). Avoid drafts and overheating.
Keep your rabbit indoors or in a protected outdoor enclosure.
Toys & Chewables:
Give wooden chew toys, willow balls, or cardboard rolls. Chewing keeps teeth healthy and prevents boredom.
✅ Pro Tip: Create a “bunny-proof” area in your home — cover electrical cords and remove toxic plants.
🥕 Section 3: Nutrition & Hydration
Healthy food = happy rabbit! A proper diet keeps teeth, digestion, and mood in balance.
Hay First:
Hay should make up 80–85% of your rabbit’s diet. It keeps their teeth trim and their gut healthy.
Offer timothy, orchard, or meadow hay — always fresh and dry.
Leafy Greens:
Add 1–2 cups daily: romaine, kale, cilantro, or parsley. Rotate greens for variety.
Pellets:
Choose high-quality pellets (no colorful bits or seeds). ¼ cup per 5 pounds of body weight daily is enough.
Treats (Occasional):
Tiny pieces of apple, banana, or carrot — not too much sugar!
Treats should be less than 5% of their diet.
Fresh Water:
Always available, preferably in a bowl (rabbits drink more from bowls than bottles).
Change daily.
✅ Pro Tip: A rabbit chewing hay quietly is a sign of peace — they’re happy and content in that moment.
🧩 Section 4: Play, Enrichment & Exercise
Rabbits are playful and intelligent — they need stimulation to stay healthy.
Free Roam Time:
Let your rabbit explore a safe area daily (minimum 3 hours).
Freedom to run, jump, and dig is essential for physical and mental health.
Interactive Play:
Hide treats in paper tubes or boxes for them to find.
Use gentle tossing toys or create small obstacle courses.
Digging Boxes:
Fill a shallow box with shredded paper or hay — they’ll love digging and tossing it around.
Companionship:
If possible, adopt a bonded pair (male/female, both neutered).
Rabbits groom each other and keep each other emotionally balanced.
Outdoor Time:
Supervised play in a secure garden or pen provides sunshine and natural fun.
Never leave them unsupervised — predators move fast.
✅ Pro Tip: A bored rabbit chews furniture or digs carpets. Keep their mind busy, and you’ll keep them happy.
🧼 Section 5: Grooming & Physical Care
Rabbits are clean by nature — but they still need your help to stay fresh and healthy.
Brushing:
Regular brushing prevents fur mats and hairballs (especially during shedding season).
Short-haired breeds: once a week. Long-haired: 3–4 times a week.
Bathing:
Avoid full baths — rabbits can panic. Spot-clean dirty areas with a damp cloth.
Nail Trimming:
Trim every 4–6 weeks. If nails are too long, they can catch on carpets or cause injury.
Dental Care:
Rabbit teeth never stop growing — that’s why hay is so important. Watch for drooling or reduced eating; it may mean dental issues.
✅ Pro Tip: Use grooming sessions as trust-building time — talk softly, reward after.
🩺 Section 6: Health & Vet Checkups
Healthy rabbits are alert, curious, and have a good appetite. Regular vet visits ensure they stay that way.
Annual Vet Exams:
Find a vet who specializes in rabbits (“exotic vet”). Routine exams check teeth, digestion, and weight.
Vaccinations:
Depending on your country, vaccines for myxomatosis and RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) may be required.
Common Health Signs:
- Bright eyes, clean ears, dry nose = healthy
- Eating, pooping regularly = normal
- Lethargy, drooling, or small droppings = possible illness
Parasite Prevention:
Check fur and ears regularly for mites or fleas. Use vet-approved treatments only.
✅ Pro Tip: Rabbits hide illness. If you notice any change in behavior or appetite, call your vet right away.
💕 Section 7: Emotional Bonding & Trust
A rabbit’s love is gentle but deep. It takes time to earn — but once you do, it’s forever.
Patience Is Key:
Sit quietly near your rabbit daily. Let them come to you. Don’t rush petting or handling.
Touch of Trust:
When they nudge you with their nose or lay near you, that’s affection.
Pet their forehead or cheeks softly — never force hugs.
Communication:
Speak calmly; rabbits learn to recognize your voice.
Routine sounds like food prep or your footsteps can comfort them.
Gentle Handling:
Support their back and hind legs when lifting. Never pick up by ears or scruff.
✅ Pro Tip: If your rabbit “flops” beside you — congratulations, they truly trust you.
Conclusion
Happiness for a rabbit is simple: space, love, safety, and companionship.
When your bunny feels secure and understood, they’ll reward you with trust — and maybe even a joyful binky across the room.
Because here at Zopaw, we believe every paw, hop, and wiggle deserves joy. 🐰💙